THE national budget is more than a financial statement. It reflects a country’s development priorities, economic plans and political commitments. Every year, when the budget is announced, the government makes various promises regarding development, employment, social protection and the establishment of equality. Yet an important question remains: how much of these promises are actually realised? Can the budget truly pave the way for a fair and inclusive society, or does it remain largely confined to paper?
Over the past few decades, Bangladesh has made significant progress in economic growth, poverty reduction and infrastructure development. Despite various global challenges, the country has managed to maintain relative economic stability. However, alongside this progress, inequality continues to persist. The income gap between the rich and the poor remains wide, disparities between urban and rural areas are evident and unequal access to education and opportunities continues to affect many people. For this reason, the objective of the budget should not be limited to achieving economic growth alone. It should also ensure that the benefits of that growth reach all sections of society.
Education is one of the most powerful tools for reducing inequality. The future of a nation depends largely on the quality and accessibility of its education system. Although Bangladesh has made considerable progress in increasing literacy rates, significant disparities remain in access to quality education. Students in urban areas often enjoy better facilities, access to technology, skilled teachers and modern learning resources, while many students in rural areas still struggle with inadequate infrastructure and limited opportunities.
If adequate resources are allocated to education, teacher training is strengthened and scholarships and technological support are expanded for disadvantaged students, many of these gaps can be narrowed. Equal access to quality education can help create opportunities for children regardless of their social or economic background and contribute to a more inclusive society.
The health sector is another critical area in promoting equality. Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, yet many people still cannot afford proper medical treatment. Rural areas continue to face shortages of specialist doctors, modern medical equipment and specialised services. As a result, many patients are forced to travel long distances or bear significant financial burdens to receive treatment.
An inclusive budget can make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Increased investment in primary healthcare, maternal and child health services and mental health support can significantly improve the quality of life for many citizens. A stronger healthcare system not only improves individual wellbeing but also contributes to overall social and economic development.
Social safety net programmes also play an important role in reducing inequality. Allowances for older persons, widows and persons with disabilities, along with various support programmes for low-income families, have provided assistance to many vulnerable people. These initiatives have helped ease hardship and offered a degree of financial security to those most in need.
However, there is still room to improve both the coverage and effectiveness of these programmes. Ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients and preventing corruption, misuse and irregularities are essential. Greater transparency and accountability can strengthen public confidence and make social protection measures more effective.
Particular attention must also be given to persons with disabilities. Millions of people with disabilities in Bangladesh continue to face barriers in education, employment, transportation and access to public services. Despite progress in raising awareness, many remain excluded from opportunities that others take for granted.
A more equitable budget can support accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, skills development and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Most importantly, disability should be approached from a rights-based perspective rather than a charitable one. Persons with disabilities are not a burden on society; they are citizens with abilities, aspirations and valuable contributions to make to national development.
Women’s empowerment is another essential condition for achieving greater equality. Women in Bangladesh are making significant contributions in education, employment, business and entrepreneurship. Their participation has played a major role in the country’s social and economic progress.
Yet many women continue to face wage inequality, workplace insecurity and various social barriers. Budgetary measures that support women entrepreneurs through easier access to finance, provide assistance for working women, strengthen maternity benefits and ensure safer working environments can further enhance women’s participation in economic and social life. A gender-responsive budget can help create more opportunities and reduce long-standing inequalities.
For a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh, climate change is another major concern. Floods, cyclones, river erosion, salinity intrusion and heatwaves continue to affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The impacts are often felt most severely by poor and marginalised communities, who have fewer resources to cope with environmental shocks.
The budget therefore needs to prioritise climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. Efforts to address climate change should pay particular attention to those communities that are most vulnerable to its effects. Climate justice requires ensuring that those who face the greatest risks receive adequate support and protection.
Young people are one of Bangladesh’s greatest strengths. A large share of the population is young, yet many are unable to realise their full potential because of limited skills, inadequate training opportunities and a shortage of decent employment.
Greater investment in technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship development, start-up support and digital skills can help young people play a more meaningful role in economic growth. Investing in youth is not simply an expenditure; it is an investment in the country’s future development and prosperity.
At the same time, allocating funds alone is not enough to achieve equality. The effectiveness of implementation is equally important. Transparency, accountability and good governance must be ensured throughout the budget process. Strong monitoring mechanisms are needed to make certain that public resources are used for public welfare and that development programmes deliver the intended results.
Without reducing corruption, inefficiency and waste, even the most promising initiatives may fail to achieve their objectives. Effective implementation remains one of the most important factors in determining whether budget commitments translate into real improvements in people’s lives.
Public participation in the budget-making process should also be strengthened. The voices of civil society, young people, women, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities deserve greater consideration during planning and decision-making. A budget becomes more inclusive when it reflects the experiences and needs of those it is intended to serve.
Achieving equality is a long-term process. It cannot be accomplished through a single budget or a single policy measure. Nevertheless, every budget presents an opportunity to move closer to a more just, inclusive and equitable society. By prioritising education, healthcare, social protection, disability inclusion, women’s empowerment, climate resilience and youth development, the government can take meaningful steps towards reducing inequality.
The question therefore remains relevant: can the budget deliver on the promise of equality? The answer depends not only on what is announced, but on how effectively those commitments are implemented. If the benefits of development reach every citizen and no group is left behind, then the budget can become a powerful instrument for building a fairer society. Only then can it truly be called a budget for equality.
Md Roshidul Alam is founder of Disabilitrity and Climate Action Bangladesh.
